Yes, I’ve come to a decision. And it feels quite momentous, like today is a really big day for me. I suppose it is.
I’ve decided to close down my Phoenix cards business. I know it’s the right thing to do, but it still feels odd. I think it’s because I started this business when I was desperately trying to find a way of staying at home with Boo when she was a baby and being able to carve out a life at home with her. And I did. That was nearly 4 years ago now, so this business has been with me through the baby years and I associate it with a big change in my life. And, of course, I still love the products. That hasn’t changed and I can’t imagine it ever doing so. I’m actually compiling a huge list of cards, wrap and stationery that I’ll be buying before I cease trading!
But what will I do? You may have already spotted that I blog a fair bit. It’s like an addiction for me now! I love the interaction within the community, I enjoy reading other blogs, I care about supporting others, though I’m still a total newbie myself. I’m so happy to see that this passion of mine is actually bringing in opportunities, for my family and I, and it felt like crunch time. I juggle a fair few things here, wear a few too many hats, and so I have decided that something has to give in order for me to pursue more, both with my own beloved blog, and also freelancing opportunities.
So, whilst it’s with sadness I close Jocelyn’s Cards down, it is with excitement that I look to the future. The plan is for it to be a slow burn. Keep writing here, pitch the odd idea and look for writing work elsewhere so building up my portfolio, ready for the point when I have a little more time on my hands when the kids are a little older. That’s the plan, but of course, me being me, I’ve had a couple of article ideas that I plan to pitch this week (well, they’re in my head, so it seems a shame to waste them) and I’ve spotted a couple of gaps within some local businesses that I feel I can help with – might as well offer up some help! And so it is onwards and upwards, I hope, and if I don’t try it, then I’ll never know, will I? I may even have bought myself a cheeky little Prosecco to celebrate this new beginning, too 😉
It does seem only right that I offer a few buys to my lovely readers, who have brought me this far on my new journey and whom I hope will continue onwards with me. So, I’m popping some packs together, that you can order with me just by tweeting or emailing me at [email protected].
Kids mix pack of cards £10 for 10
Adults mix pack of cards £10 for 10 (generally speaking, probably be 7 ladies & 3 mens cards in them)
A surprise! Take a chance and get a mixed bag of gorgeous cards, wrap and stationery (I promise it’ll all be discounted!) for £25
I also have loads of card samples, some of which I’ll use for crafting with the kids, but I have A LOT, so shout if you could make use of those.
Postage £2.50 for all packs, however many you buy, it’ll just be the one postage amount. I can take payment via Paypal, bank transfer, or cheque.
You can, of course, order anything else you like from my website this month, and be aware I’m placing my final order with Head Office on 24th may.
So, goodbye Phoenix, hello new world! Please wish me luck…
Big decisions, big decisions! Well done for taking the jump and focusing on your lovely children and fab blog. I will be emailing you an order 🙂 x Mel
It felt big! Thanks very much, and thanks for your order, too 🙂
Good luck! X
Thank you! x
Such a big step but I can completely understand your reasons. Good luck! x
Totally understand. Thank you for all your lovely cards and papery thingys over the past year or so.
Goodluck for the future and your new adventures.
Sarah xXx
Thanks, Sarah. It’s been great, but time for a change, I think x
Times change and it seems like you’re heading in a direction which suits your current life. I love your updated blog and can see that you’ll also have increasing opportunities with it.
Thanks very much, Kriss. Yes, times have changed, and this feels like the right thing to do now x
It’s called Phoenix which means it may come back for you in years to come when you want to maybe resurrect it. I had my eye on the cards with Westies on-they’ve been on my Amazon wishlist a while now but sadly I still don’t have a job so can’t be blowing money on them. I’d not seen any like those designs anywhere else. It’s best to concentrate fully on something, though.
Very true. Yes, I feel better knowing I can concentrate more on blogging and writing, now, along with the family, of course!
Congrats on making the decision and best of luck – I really believe all will go well for you and you will make any dreams you want to achieve happen! Onwards and upwards!! xx
Thanks very much, Caroline. I’m going to give it my best! x
Exciting times ahead for the Reading Residence by the sounds of it. I wish you lots of luck, not that you need it! xx
Thanks very much, and yes, I’ll take all the luck that I can get!
After seeing your Instagram I figured this was on the cards (sorry!)……I don’t blame you-so many other opportunities for you to explore. I wish you the very best xx
The pun was clearly irresistible! Thanks very much 🙂 x
Wow, how exciting! All the very best Jocelyn, I’m sure you will make a huge success out of any opportunities xx
Thanks very much, Sara. I feel I’ve got to give it a go x
It must be sad giving up something which you are so passionate about but I can see you have already made a huge success of blogging, and I hope many opportunities pass your way!
It feels a bit strange, but exciting. And I’m very passionate about blogging! Thank you x
You sound like you’ve made the right decision for you. It’s a shame as I’ve just started trading with Phoenix, but I can see why you’re stopping. Good luck with your future choices.
Oh, you’ll love it. I’m sure, as I have done. But this makes more sense for me now, I think. I hope!
Fairplay for making such a big decision. Not that it’s wholly relevant but I used to have a small ironing business when I started blogging, nothing grand just me working from home making a few extra pounds. When I gave it up to concentrate on blogging (that I was loving a lot) it felt scary but in hindsight it was the best decision xxx
Thanks very much, and it feels wholly relevant. You continue to inspire me, Annie! Thanks x
Ooh I remember closing down my Phoenix business – I made a massive loss – I was a rubbish sales person! 🙂 It did feel a bit sad to see it go though as the products are lovely. Good luck with everything in the pipeline – I’m sure you’ll be like a Phoenix rising from the ashes of the former business! (Apologies if someone has beaten me to this one, I haven’t had a chance to read through all the comments!) X
Ha ha – I’m not making a loss! The products are lovely, and I’m making sure I’m well-stocked up before finishing! Great pun, well done 😉 Thank you x
Well done for making the decision. It’s always hard to make a change. I believe that if your gut instinct tells you it’s the right decision, then go with it. How wonderful, I look forward to watching you grow even further in your blogging and writing career x
My gut is definitely telling me, and like you, I always trust it. Let’s see where it takes me this time! Thanks very much x
Well done you! I’m also investing more time & effort in my writing to see where it gets me! I feel nervous saying it out loud so fair play to you for writing it down!! Best of luck!
I know what you mean, but I think writing it down makes me feel more determined & committed somehow!
I wish you all the very best in your new venture. I may be joining you myself soon, when the little man goes to school in September I’ll have so much more time on my hands, but as a full time carer of two, it’s not really feasible for me to look for work outside the home, so freelancing it will be.
Oh, that’s exciting! We can figure it all out together!
Such a big decision, but good for you for taking the leap. Best of luck with continued blogging success and with your writing! x
Thanks very much. I’m looking forward to it 🙂
I’m really excited for you Jocelyn and know you will make a success of this. Well done for making such a big decision. Cheers! x
Thanks so much, Kiran! I’m looking forward to it and it’s great to be able to focus on it more now. Though there are still those kids…!
I’ve a feeling you won’t need the luck my friend but I will send you lots anyway 🙂 Always good to have a plan and I wish you the very best with it! X
Thanks so much, and I will take that luck! I do like having a plan 🙂
Your life has moved on and so must you. I have a feeling you will be putting your new found time to good use.
That’s exactly it, Fiona. Thanks 🙂
Well done on your brave big decisions! Stumbling across this post has brought me such warmth. I’ve recently had to take some huge life changing decisions and it can feel so daunting and leave you question did you right the make move. Brilliant post 🙂
Thanks very much, and I wish you luck with yours, too x
Pingback: Word of the Week - 9/5/14 | The Reading Residence
Good luck! That really is a momentous decision for you. I really hope it works out well.
Thanks so much. Feels big, but then you know about big decisions like this, too!
I love Phoenix cards, but I can understand the wish to move on and I’m sure the freelance venture will be successful.
I love them, too, and will be buying plenty before I stop! Thank you
Wow end of an era, I think I started following you when you might have been jocelyns cards. It’s a brave decision but well done for taking the plunge. The fear puts so many off. I’ll be looking at your range as I’m always forgetting to buy cards! 🙂
Fear can really stop people from doing things, but I want to try it so I’m going to! Thanks x
Good luck! I had never realised what was involved with blogging until I actually started. It’s definitely not the easy option is it. But as you say, it’s great fun. Love the new site by the way. Looks great. Orlena xx
No, I think people imagine that you do it and just get money and free stuff – if only! Hours & hours, but it’s a labour of love 🙂 Thanks very much x
Oh Jocelyn I am so so proud of you and way to go for taking that step. I am the same I am not going back to work and will stay home hopefully with the kids and pursue more opportunities writing. Its a big step I am a bit nervous as I am sure you are but sounds like you have a goal and path already to work towards.Which is fantastic. So proud of you. Your blog is amazing and you will do amazing things writing I just know it. Good luck sweets. #pocolo
Thanks, Jenny. I love doing it, and have all sorts of plans bubbling, so hoping that it actually comes together for me. Hope all goes well for you, too, as I’ve no doubt it will x
Well now, how VERY exciting 🙂 Rest assured I’ll still be following along!
Thank you! Nice to know you’ll still be with me 🙂 x
Awww goodluck with the change hunnie… It might be abit daunting at first, but your blog is FAB! and eliminating one hat will allow you extra time somewhere else 🙂 #PoCoLo
That’s exactly what I’m hoping, so we will see! And thank you so much x
Wow, this all sounds very exciting for you! One door shuts, another door opens!! Best of luck in your new writing ventures.
#pocolo
Exactly! I’m excited to be going through the new door! Thank you x
Goodluck! Your blog is really going up and I understand the time it needs to be best! I am a witness to how your blog is flourishing =) pocolo
Ah, thanks, Merlinda. Lovely to have your support x
I am SO pleased for you lovely lady. I remember when you came on the scene and thinking of you as the card lady – I probably always will! But the very best with the new venture. Thank you for linking to PoCoLo 🙂 x
Thanks so much. It is odd to stop thinking of myself as the card lady! Thanks for hosting x
The very best of luck to you lovely xx #pocolo
Thanks very much x
Lucas, Grace & Ash – sending you loadsa loadsa loadsa luck and Haribo to help you out xxx #POCOLO
I will gladly take all of that – thank you! x
Congratulations! It’s so hard to make decisions, but it’s so liberating when we do arrive at “the right” decision! I wish you all the best of luck, and can’t wait to hear how it all goes.
I so hope it’s the right decision! It feels like it is, so I’m going to give it my best. Thanks x